PUTRAJAYA, March 18 — Civil society groups from Malaysia’s Malay and Indian communities convened today in a four-hour dialogue aimed at easing rising tensions and reclaiming control of the narrative from online provocation.
Held under the “Harmoni MADANI” initiative at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), the session brought together more than 30 NGO representatives who agreed that direct engagement—rather than reactions to social media disputes—was key to de-escalation.
Participants stressed the urgency of cooling tempers following recent controversies, including disputes over the construction of places of worship without proper approval and increasingly heated exchanges online.
President of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Malaysia, Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, said the meeting marked a shift toward community-led problem-solving.
“We are trying to extinguish current flashpoints by speaking directly to one another, without interference or outside influence,” he said, adding that the session was a starting point for sustained dialogue.
Mahima chairman N. Sivakumar echoed the sentiment, noting that both sides had agreed—at least in principle—to move forward through negotiation and to set aside ego in addressing sensitive issues.
Among proposals raised was the formation of a coordinating body under the Prime Minister’s Department to manage interfaith matters, as well as a nationwide audit of places of worship to clarify land status and compliance.
The dialogue comes against the backdrop of legal action taken against several individuals accused of making statements that allegedly caused public alarm. However, those charged have pleaded not guilty.
Observers say the Putrajaya meeting reflects a broader effort by grassroots leaders to restore calm and prevent further strain on inter-community relations.
Among those seen were Garah (Gerakan Anti Rumah Anutan Haram) coordinator Zamri Vinoth, activist Cikgu Chandra—whose real name is S. Chandrasegaran—and independent preacher Firdaus Wong.
Also present was activist and social media influencer Kumaresan Jothi, also known as Santhanar Dronachariyar.
NGOs represented the talks were United Indian Transformation and Empower Council (UNITEC), Mahima, Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Kemajuan Masyarakat Tg Malim and Slim River, Pertubuhan Malaysia Tamilarr Munnetra Kalagam, Concerned Universiti Malaya Indian Graduates, Geram, Garah, Yayasan Kubra, PPIM and Perguruan Silat Baji Harimau Selempang.
